Algemeen Ward enjoys dream day behind the scenes at Renewi Tour thanks to Lotto-Intermarché and Make-A-Wish

For many years, Make-A-Wish® Belgium-Vlaanderen has been making dreams come true for children and young people between the ages of 3 and 18 who are living with a life-threatening medical condition. And that is exactly what happened during the Renewi Tour last week. The biggest wish of 15-year-old Ward from Bruges? To experience first-hand what goes on behind the scenes of a WorldTour team. And, above all, to roll up his sleeves and get involved himself. His wish came true, as Ward got to spend an entire day as a fully-fledged member of the Lotto-Intermarché staff.

Together with his parents, younger brother and a delegation from Make-A-Wish® Belgium-Vlaanderen, Ward headed to the start of stage two of the Renewi Tour. Sports director Bart Wellens gave him a tour of the team car, before Ward joined the riders on the team bus and accompanied them to the start podium, where Huub Artz spontaneously invited him up on stage. Once the race was underway, Ward headed to the team hotel in Waregem, where he helped chef Adriaan prepare the riders’ meal.

Then came perhaps the part of the day Ward had been looking forward to the most. With a real passion for bike mechanics, he joined the Lotto-Intermarché mechanics to see up close how the professional riders’ bikes are maintained and prepared – and, of course, to lend a hand himself.

For Lotto-Intermarché, it was a pleasure to welcome Ward and Make-A-Wish® into the team for a full day and to play a part in making his wish come true. A day filled with racing, bikes and special encounters – and, above all, one that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Picture: PhotoNews